Meet the Muses

In the Aperçu spirit of nurturing self expression and exposing singular points of view, we're proud to introduce a new micro-partnership program entitled Aperçu Muse. This initiative allows us to partner with our favorite emerging creators whose unmatched sense of style and knack for storytelling inspire us each day. Since we began in April, our Muses have inspired us at every turn and the initiative is growing by leaps and bounds. We're pleased to introduce you to the first three creators in our evolving Aperçu Muse line-up: Michelle Freya, Sarah Chacha, and Sophie Williams!

Michelle Freya

Michelle Freya is a writer and content creator. With every photo and video she creates, she captures the poetry of everyday life and the fun in playing dress up in flowy silhouettes and floral prints. Her favorite Aperçu sunnies are the SUAREZ Aquatica and the MARÍA II Amber frames.

Who is your biggest style inspiration right now?

I currently find myself fascinated by the dazzling works of designers Simone Rocha and Susie Cave (The Vampire’s Wife). The way these women combine detailed garment construction with a powerful essence of ethereal expression is something that continually has my jaw dropping to the floor. 

What’s something you can’t leave the house without?

My handbag never fails to feel empty without a pen, lip gloss, and a hidden-gem poetry book.

What’s a piece of fashion advice that you would give to your younger self?

You can still incorporate air, flounce, and free-spiritedness into your closet while conveying yourself in a way that is experimental, curious, and intentional.

What messages do you try to convey in your digital content?

I aspire to translate the feeling of a daydream or a deep feeling within the chest (whether joyous or melancholic) into visuals I have noticed with my heart’s mind; met with a lens that is nostalgic and a voice that is poetic in nature. This is my way of offering my poems a new home, surrounding them with visions that have touched my soul somehow.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Staying up later than I know I should. Notorious for a night owl memory made.

Sarah Chacha

What’s the most sentimental fashion item in your closet and what’s the story behind it?

My most sentimental item would have to be my mother’s burnt orange vintage, embellished, oversized T shirt. My late mother was a huge fashion lover like myself. We bonded over bold prints, colors and silhouettes that simply commanded attention. My mother was so charismatic, loving and fearless. She taught me how to express that not only in how I choose to live my life, but also through fashion which is my favorite form of art and self expression.

What are you manifesting right now?

I am manifesting a life full of peace and bliss. I think as we grow into adulthood, we forget the simple things that brought us pure joy as children. I am tapping into that little girl within who just wants to play, to create things that begin as an idea, and to see the world I was born curious about. I’m hoping to manifest this lifestyle with the birth of my clothing brand, akelo., that my sister and I have been working tirelessly on since 2013. We’re launching our first collection incredibly soon. All in all, it’s a huge dream to wake up and design my life every day — my way!

How would you describe your personal style in three words?

Natural, divine, edgy.

Do you have any advice for someone who’s feeling creatively uninspired?

If you’re anything like me, a lot of the lack of inspiration comes from the conscious effort to force creative ideas upon yourself as well as overthinking. Reach back into a hobby or creative exercise that comes naturally to you. With that exercise, just start as if no one is watching. Don’t worry if it feels silly or ridiculous at first; just let yourself free flow in this form of expression. Focus on the simple act of release instead of perfection… I also love to go to museums, live music shows, and new coffee shops when I feel uninspired— I shake up my routine!

What does a perfect day off look like for you?

A perfect day off is a day that begins with moving my body in the morning and drinking lots of water. It feels like hitting the reset button and gives me a lot of mental clarity. Ideally, I would spend the day with my closest friends/family in a new city, trying new foods, making new memories and simply exploring. I’m a firm believer in trying as many things as you can at least once. If you like that particular thing or not, you learned something new about the world and yourself. Overall I’m a huge adventurer. The more unknowns, the better! Love to end the day with an audiobook, podcast, journaling and setting intentions for the approaching days.

Sophie Williams

Last but not least is brand marketer and creator, Sophie Williams, who's based part-time in NYC and part-time in London. She has a passion for traveling, which is represented in her classic chic style that can be transformed effortlessly from day to night. Sophie's favorite frame shape is our CLAIRE ROSE in Capetown and Paris. 

What’s at the top of your priority list when it comes to putting together an outfit?

I like to keep all my looks quite simple and usually in neutral colours. I always like to think about whether I would wear the same piece of clothing in a year, so keeping it timeless is always a priority. Accessorising is one of the main things I really think can make an outfit! I've worked for a jewellery brand for the past 6 years, so stacks of jewellery can elevate and bring personality to almost any outfit and of course a good pair of sunglasses to finish off the look! 

What style era speaks to you the most and why?

I am actually loving the style era we're currently in. I'm loving the 'old money' look with a hint of boho. Rosie Huntington Whiteley and Sophia Richie are my absolute style inspirations and when it comes to influencers, I am obsessed with Claire Rose & Wendy Swan. 

What’s your next travel destination?

I am going to the South of France with friends for my 30th birthday in September and then I am actually moving to Sydney, Australia in October!

When it comes to creating content, what’s your favorite aspect?

I'm relatively new to doing it as a creator but having worked in influencer marketing for years so it's fun to see both sides! I've met some amazing creators in the past few months and have also been introduced to some incredible brands such as Aperçu!

Where do you see yourself, career-wise, in the next 5 years?

I'm based in London but recently returned from working in New York for a year which was the most incredible experience and I encourage anyone to work abroad if they get the chance. I've now got the travel bug for living and working in new countries, so I'm hoping to move to Sydney and work in brand marketing for an Aussie fashion brand...who knows where that will take me, but that's part of the fun!